Overview of the Precalculus Courses
Below is an overview of the different precalculus courses and sequences. A full catalog of our undergraduate courses can be found on the Guide.
MATH 96: Preparatory Algebra
MATH 96 is a developmental math course that is intended to prepare students for further math courses or, in some cases, QR-A coursework. Some students may or may not need to take MATH 96 depending on their particular placement, so having a conversation with their academic advisor is important to determine whether the course is necessary or recommended.
Who should take MATH 96?
MATH 96 is great for students who…
- are required to take the course to satisfy math remediation and/or qualify for QR-A enrollment.
- are interested in continuing on to further precalculus coursework or if there is the possibility of wanting/needing to enroll in precalculus in the future.
MATH 141: Quantitative Reasoning and Problem Solving
MATH 141 is a terminal, QR-A math course that does not lead to enrollment into higher-level math classes, and its completion does not imply preparedness to move on with our precalculus coursework. However, if the student is very confident that they just need a QR-A course, MATH 141 is one option, and it may be a very good fit as it not necessarily feel like other math classes they may have taken.
Who should take MATH 141?
MATH 141 is a good fit for students who need to satisfy their QR-A requirement and do not need any additional math coursework. It is important to note that there are several other courses students can take to satisfy their QR-A requirement: COMP SCO 102, L I S 102, and PHILOS 210. Depending on their placement test results, students can also take MATH 112 or MATH 114 for their QR-A requirement.
Who should NOT take MATH 141?
Students who need additional math courses should not take MATH 141. Students in the College of Engineering and Wisconsin School of Business should not consider this course unless they intend to switch to a different college.
Students who have already satisfied their QR-A requirement either through the placement test or previous coursework should not take this course. Space is limited and should be reserved for students who need it.
MATH 112: College Algebra
MATH 112 is the first half of our two-semester precalculus sequence: MATH 112 and MATH 113.
MATH 112 covers algebra, which prepares students to move into trigonometry (MATH 113) or the survey of calculus without trigonometry (MATH 211).
Who should take MATH 112?
MATH 112 is great for students who need algebra, but…
- do not need the trigonometry experience which MATH 114 or MATH 171/217 provides.
- would like to opt for a slower-paced precalculus sequence by splitting algebra and trigonometry into two semesters, the alternatives being MATH 114, an accelerated and fast-paced precalculus which combines topics from MATH 112 and MATH 113 into one semester.
We recommend students consider MATH 112 if they are not comfortable with the accelerated nature of MATH 114 or if they would like to balance their course schedules out more.
Students can also consider MATH 112 if they are planning on moving into MATH 211 instead of MATH 221.
MATH 113: Trigonometry
MATH 113 is the second half of our two-semester precalculus sequence: MATH 112 and MATH 113.
MATH 113 covers trigonometry, which prepares students to move into calculus with trigonometry (MATH 221). Trigonometry is not required for students who intend to take MATH 211 for calculus.
Who should take MATH 113?
MATH 113 is great for students who need trigonometry, but…
- do not need the algebra experience which MATH 114 or MATH 171/217 provides.
- would like to opt for a slower-paced trigonometry course, the alternatives being MATH 114, an accelerated and fast-paced precalculus which combines topics from MATH 112 and MATH 113 into one semester.
We recommend students consider MATH 113 if they are not comfortable with the accelerated nature of MATH 114 or if they would like to balance their course schedules out more.
MATH 114: Precalculus
MATH 114 is an accelerated, fast-paced precalculus course that combines topics from MATH 112 (algebra) and MATH 113 (trigonometry) into one semester.
MATH 114 covers algebra and trigonometry, which prepares students to move into calculus with trigonometry (MATH 221).
Who should take MATH 114?
MATH 114 is great for students who…
- are comfortable with the accelerated nature of the course and are confident that they can keep up with the pacing.
- would like to opt for a dedicated precalculus course before moving into MATH 221
If a student intends on enrolling in MATH 114, they should be aware that the course is fast-paced and accelerated in nature. The course is 5 credits and will require a good amount of time and focus to keep up with the pacing and be successful. If they do not wish to take a course with this fast of a pace, they should consider the MATH 112/113 sequence instead.
MATH 114 is also an option for students who are still deciding on which calculus pathway they wish to pursue, as MATH 114 can be followed by either MATH 211 or MATH 221.